Mentor Graphics Pads Version History Apr 2026

In 1995, Mentor Graphics acquired PADS, and the software became an integral part of the company’s portfolio of electronic design automation (EDA) tools. This acquisition marked a significant turning point in the history of PADS, as it brought access to more resources, expertise, and technology, enabling the software to evolve and improve rapidly.

Mentor Graphics PADS is a popular printed circuit board (PCB) design software that has been widely used by engineers and designers for decades. The software has undergone significant changes and improvements over the years, with each new version bringing enhanced features, capabilities, and performance. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Mentor Graphics PADS version history, highlighting the key milestones, updates, and innovations that have shaped the software into what it is today. mentor graphics pads version history

The first version of PADS, version 1.0, was released in the 1980s by PADS, a company founded by John B. Thomas. At that time, the software was a simple, 2D CAD system for designing printed circuit boards. Despite its limitations, PADS quickly gained popularity among engineers and designers due to its ease of use, affordability, and ability to run on relatively low-end hardware. In 1995, Mentor Graphics acquired PADS, and the

In 2017, Mentor Graphics introduced PADS Professional, a new, advanced PCB design solution that combined the best features of PADS and other Mentor Graphics tools. PADS Professional brought a range of new capabilities, including improved support for high-speed design, advanced routing, and enhanced collaboration. Thomas